Canada

Alberta Court Clears Way for Gender Care Law After Province Invokes Notwithstanding Clause

Alberta Court Clears Way for Gender Care Law After Province Invokes Notwithstanding Clause

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): An Alberta judge has lifted a court injunction that had temporarily blocked the province’s controversial legislation restricting access to gender-affirming health care for minors, following the government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause. The ruling comes after the Alberta government appealed an earlier decision that paused the law’s enforcement. With the injunction now removed, the legislation — which bars physicians from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to youth under the age of 16 — is allowed to proceed. The law has been strongly contested by advocacy organizations. Earlier this year, Egale Canada and Calgary-based group Skipping…
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Mandatory Air Conditioning in Ontario Nursing Homes Linked to Fewer Heat-Related Deaths

Mandatory Air Conditioning in Ontario Nursing Homes Linked to Fewer Heat-Related Deaths

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): A province-wide requirement for air conditioning in Ontario’s long-term care homes has prevented dozens of deaths, according to new research that underscores the growing health risks posed by extreme heat. The study, published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine, examined more than 73,000 resident deaths recorded in Ontario nursing homes between 2010 and 2023. Researchers found that residents living in facilities without air conditioning in their individual rooms faced a significantly higher risk during heat waves. On days of extreme heat, the likelihood of death was about eight per cent higher compared to residents in rooms with…
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Canada, Ontario Sign Pact to Fast-Track Major Projects With ‘One Project, One Review’ System

Canada, Ontario Sign Pact to Fast-Track Major Projects With ‘One Project, One Review’ System

Ontario (Gaganjot Singh): Canada and Ontario on Thursday signed a new co-operation agreement aimed at speeding up major infrastructure projects by streamlining environmental and impact assessments, as the federal government pushes to strengthen the economy amid shifting global trade dynamics.Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the agreement, which introduces a “one project, one review” approach for large infrastructure initiatives in Ontario. The framework is designed to reduce regulatory duplication between federal and provincial authorities while maintaining strong environmental safeguards and protections for Indigenous rights.Under the agreement, Canada and Ontario will adopt a flexible assessment process that…
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Federal Investment Vital to Protect B.C. Trade Corridors, Says Premier David Eby

Federal Investment Vital to Protect B.C. Trade Corridors, Says Premier David Eby

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): British Columbia Premier David Eby has stressed that sustained federal investment in provincial transportation infrastructure is critical to preventing long-term disruptions to cross-Canada trade and maintaining business confidence in the province.Eby said he raised concerns over “trade-enabling infrastructure” during a meeting with the federal government’s major projects office, pointing specifically to Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley and the Massey Tunnel, both of which are crucial for commuters and freight movement to coastal ports. His remarks come days after severe flooding forced the closure of sections of Highway 1, exposing vulnerabilities in one of the country’s most…
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Powerful Winter Storm Triggers Massive Multi-Vehicle Pileup on QE2 Near Calgary

Powerful Winter Storm Triggers Massive Multi-Vehicle Pileup on QE2 Near Calgary

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): A powerful winter storm and sudden blizzard conditions turned a stretch of Highway QE2 between Airdrie and Calgary into a scene of devastation, as a massive chain-reaction collision involving an estimated 80 to 100 vehicles left motorists fighting for their lives. The intense snow blizzard brought near-zero visibility, fierce winds, and ice-covered pavement, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions. Many drivers reported being unable to see more than a few metres ahead before traffic abruptly came to a halt. Vehicles began sliding uncontrollably, crashing into one another in rapid succession, leaving people trapped inside crushed cars and…
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Alberta Sheriffs Shut Down Calgary Property After 148 Drug and Crime Complaints

Alberta Sheriffs Shut Down Calgary Property After 148 Drug and Crime Complaints

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Sheriffs have closed a Calgary property at 2016 41 Street SE following nearly two years of investigation linked to drugs and criminal activity. Acting under a court order obtained by the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit, the property will be closed for 90 days starting Dec. 17 at noon, with all occupants ordered to vacate. The closure follows 148 complaints from residents and police findings that included drug trafficking activity, arrests on outstanding warrants, and the seizure of ammunition and weapons. The property, located near two playgrounds and an elementary school, will be boarded up,…
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Second Ransom-Related Shooting Outside Surrey Restaurant Raises Safety Concerns; Police Say Extortion Suspected

Second Ransom-Related Shooting Outside Surrey Restaurant Raises Safety Concerns; Police Say Extortion Suspected

Surrey ( Rajeev Sharma) : Gun Shots were fired for the second time outside the Paratha and Pasta restaurant in Surrey in what police believe is another ransom related extortion attempt. The latest incident occurred late at night, while staff members were still inside the restaurant. No one was injured, but the incident has heightened fear among workers and nearby business owners. Police say officers responded to reports of gunfire and found evidence of shots striking the exterior of the business. The scene was secured, and investigators collected physical evidence while canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage. In…
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Two Punjabi Students Fatally Shot in Canada; Families Fear Case of Mistaken Identity

Two Punjabi Students Fatally Shot in Canada; Families Fear Case of Mistaken Identity

Edmonton/Chandigarh (Rajeev Sharma): Tragedy struck two young men from Punjab when they were fatally shot in Edmonton, Canada, leaving their families devastated and searching for answers. The incident occurred early Friday, and authorities have not yet established a clear motive. The victims, Gurdeep Singh (27) from Barre village and Ranvir Singh (19) of Uddat Saidewala village in Mansa district, were attacked shortly after leaving a friend’s birthday celebration. According to family accounts, the two had just entered a car when another vehicle arrived, and the assailants opened fire before fleeing the scene. Ranvir, seated in the driver’s seat, was directly…
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Calgary to Host Joint Community Screening of AJEY: The Untold Story of a Yogi

Calgary to Host Joint Community Screening of AJEY: The Untold Story of a Yogi

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Calgary is set to host a special joint community screening of AJEY: The Untold Story of a Yogi on Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, bringing together community members for an inspiring and reflective cultural experience. The film portrays Yogi Adityanath's remarkable journey, highlighting his transformation from a life of spiritual discipline and service to public leadership, guided by enduring values of seva, dharma, faith, and purpose. The screening, organised by Sewa Physo, with National Times as the official media partner, underscores the collaborative effort behind this meaningful event. The morning aims to provide an opportunity to reflect,…
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Premier Danielle Smith Marks Hanukkah With Message of Hope and Resilience

Premier Danielle Smith Marks Hanukkah With Message of Hope and Resilience

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith has issued a statement celebrating Hanukkah and extending warm wishes to Alberta’s Jewish community as the eight-day Festival of Lights begins. In her message, the premier highlighted the symbolism of Hanukkah arriving during the darkest days of the year, noting that it serves as a reminder that “even the smallest spark of hope can illuminate the deepest night.” Smith reflected on the miracle of the oil, which was meant to last one day but burned for eight, saying it continues to inspire perseverance, faith and the sharing of light with others. She also acknowledged…
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